Kirkham Motorsports University The Making of a Flip Top

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by lovehamr

I've just reached a minor epiphany of sorts. Though I've always "gotten" the presumed link between Cobras and P51s, I could never put my finger on it until just this minute. And it's so simple I can't believe that it never popped into my mind but the Cobra is a sexy Anglo body with a big American engine and the P51 is a sexy American body with a big Anglo engine. Ding! And the light comes on. LOL So all you guys who've had this at the forefront of your minds all along, give me a break. I'm not that smart.

Steve

Don't get me started on Cobras an Harleys though!

The P-51 is a spectacular airplane. We have the crank out of a Merlin in our lobby. I still love to look at it every time I pass by. Much of my knowledge on metallurgy comes from reading books on aircraft.

David

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by Rickd

David - absolutely beautiful. Everyone should have a water jet!! Why a 3/8" gap? Isn't that kind of wide?

If I said a 3/8" gap, I misspoke. The gap is 3/16" all the way around. The bracing was made from 3/8" aluminum plate. I'll need to check the video again!

Yes, I don't know how we ever built cars without a water jet. They are fantastic machines.

David

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

That is awsome.
Great job and very inspirational.................

Thanks!

Originally Posted by PDUB

Phenominal in-house talent!!

We are lucky to have very determined men (and women) who have worked very hard to develop their talents into what we have today.

Originally Posted by N2VENOM

David,

If you work with your hands you are a laborer.
If you work with your hands and mind you are a craftsman.
If you work with your hands, mind, heart and soul you are an artist!
From Poland to Provo, the Kirkham team are true artists!! Peace, Darren

Thanks Darren! The car will be phenomenal.

David

[FatBoy]

Originally Posted by Buzz

I just can't get the image out of my mind of a P51D Kirkham Cobra concept with polished body, exposed rivets, flat black hood and USAF markings. (.50 cal wing guns could be optional ). Seriously, I think this would make a great show car.

I'm planning on that very theme for my Kirkham for this year's Goodwood Revival meeting. Ferocious Frankie is a regular feature at the Revival and I was going to mimic that P51D.
I'm going to do the yellow nose and mat black hood as a vinyl wrap so that I can peel it off again.

Paul

[767Jockey]

Originally Posted by FatBoy

I'm planning on that very theme for my Kirkham for this year's Goodwood Revival meeting. Ferocious Frankie is a regular feature at the Revival and I was going to mimic that P51D.
I'm going to do the yellow nose and mat black hood as a vinyl wrap so that I can peel it off again.

Paul

Sounds like you'll need a pilot on board to fly that thing, Paul

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by FatBoy

I'm planning on that very theme for my Kirkham for this year's Goodwood Revival meeting. Ferocious Frankie is a regular feature at the Revival and I was going to mimic that P51D.
I'm going to do the yellow nose and mat black hood as a vinyl wrap so that I can peel it off again.

Paul

The P-51 themed cars are certainly beautiful.

David


ps. We just got your parts scheduled in. We'll be making them on Monday (right after our annual Open House).

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

Sounds like you'll need a pilot on board to fly that thing, Paul

Did you get your loot?

David

[767Jockey]

Originally Posted by David Kirkham

Did you get your loot?

David

I'm not sure, David. Everything goes to DV's place. I'll ask him if it came. I'm in the home stretch of treatment and I'm just knocked out right now as the cumulative effects of all that I have done to me are adding up, so I've been out of touch with just about everyone. Sorry, David - I'm just about lights out right now. Better days ahead, no?

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

I'm not sure, David. Everything goes to DV's place. I'll ask him if it came. I'm in the home stretch of treatment and I'm just knocked out right now as the cumulative effects of all that I have done to me are adding up, so I've been out of touch with just about everyone. Sorry, David - I'm just about lights out right now. Better days ahead, no?

Get well soon! Yes, better days are ahead.

David

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by FatBoy

I'm planning on that very theme for my Kirkham for this year's Goodwood Revival meeting. Ferocious Frankie is a regular feature at the Revival and I was going to mimic that P51D.
I'm going to do the yellow nose and mat black hood as a vinyl wrap so that I can peel it off again.

Paul

Excellent! Check out the P-51 Cobra pics in my gallery if you missed the recent thread. Be sure to post pictures once its done!

[FatBoy]

Originally Posted by Buzz

Excellent! Check out the P-51 Cobra pics in my gallery if you missed the recent thread. Be sure to post pictures once its done!

Excellent. This is the one I'm intending to replicate:



Paul

[FatBoy]

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

Sounds like you'll need a pilot on board to fly that thing, Paul

You're already confirmed for the co-pilot's seat.

[FatBoy]

Originally Posted by David Kirkham

We just got your parts scheduled in. We'll be making them on Monday (right after our annual Open House).

Thanks David.

[Buzz]

N2VENOM was anxious to see how the fliptop will look (as was I) so at his request we decided to accelerate the build. Using the Kirkhams last photo of the flip front chassis as a guide, I started on the alloy "bodywork"



Once the basic roller was complete, it was a matter of "polishing" in the alloy body, and then adding in all the details, including the fully polished, Weber carbed cammer, side exit cutout for the under car exhaust, Daytona Coupe style cowl intakes, and all of the regular Cobra bits and pieces.

That car is going to be quite spectacular! Finished rendition is a hi-res 11" X22" poster. Details can still be added, removed or tweaked.

[N2VENOM]

Buzz, great job. I will go to the printer Monday. Thanks again. I'm sure the kirkhams will also be pleased. Peace, Darren

[Buzz]

Thanks Darren. What about the badges? Are you going with regular Cobra emblems or billet Kirkham pieces? Don't hesitate to nit pick the details - at poster size you'll be able to see everything.

[dcdoug]

Darren - when are you driving out to DC? You should join the Capital Area Cobra Club for breakfast.

[N2VENOM]

Hey Doug, I appreciate the invitation. I am planning to drive the flip-top soon after it's competed. I work fast, so I'm guessing this project will take about 100 hours after I get it back from Provo. David K. Is suggesting around this June. Not sure yet. This will be practice run. We are hoping to do something big for 2012. Maybe around election time. I think it would cool to get as many cobras possible to make this journey. Even if they drive through their own states with us. I will start a thread soon and will need some help with logistics in DC. Thanks, Darren

[dcdoug]

Sounds great! Keep us posted.

[David Kirkham]

Originally Posted by Buzz

N2VENOM was anxious to see how the fliptop will look (as was I) so at his request we decided to accelerate the build. Using the Kirkhams last photo of the flip front chassis as a guide, I started on the alloy "bodywork"

Once the basic roller was complete, it was a matter of "polishing" in the alloy body, and then adding in all the details, including the fully polished, Weber carbed cammer, side exit cutout for the under car exhaust, Daytona Coupe style cowl intakes, and all of the regular Cobra bits and pieces.

That car is going to be quite spectacular! Finished rendition is a hi-res 11" X22" poster. Details can still be added, removed or tweaked.

Sweet rendering...

That gets me thinking of all the other things we should be rendering around here. Is this what you do for a living?

David